Heritage studies is not a ‘traditional’ field of study like history, art history or geography, but a newly emerging inter-disciplinary field of studies. The heritage studies programme is currently overseen by Tim Benton, Rodney Harrison and Susie West. However, many staff at the Open University are involved in the heritage studies programme or research into related topics.
Currently the courses we offer in this area are Heritage, Whose Heritage? (A180) and Understanding Global Heritage (AD281). A variety of sample materials from these courses are available online.
The Interfaculty Heritage Studies Research Group aims to promote research into heritage studies at the Open University, and to facilitate collaborations amongst staff involved in heritage research. The group hosts regular seminars and conferences, and membership is open to all interested staff at the Open University. Follow this link to find out more.
